An American restaurant in the heart of downtown Ann Arbor, we strive to provide a sense of craftsmanship and harmony for our patrons that will emanate throughout the entire dining experience. We serve contemporary and seasonal American fare in a setting that combines striking Italianate architecture with timeless furnishings. In addition, the bar & lounge make for a perfect spot for drinks and late-night desserts.
"The quality of the food was very good with delicate flavors but the quantity of the entree I found to be scant. Since we were there for restaurant week there were three courses so we didn't leave hungry. The choices were creative dishes however one of the dishes had a poached egg that was served with the white still clear. When this was pointed out to the waiter he mentioned something about wanting the yolk runny and missed the point. Desert was fabulous and the house made nougat was delicious."
Dined on 6/14/2013
2012
Special Features: special occasion
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"This review covers a few dinners there since Memorial weekend. Vellum has an amazing front of the house service, wine pairings, and perfect dessert dishes. What falls short recently is the inconsistency of the savory dishes. For every great appetizer prepared, a poorly executed entree dish would follow. They were almost inedible due to simple errors that results in lukewarm, undercooked, or over-salted dishes. Those dishes had all in the past been done well and were delicious. This is most dissapointing as recent dinner menu only had 4 dinner entrees to offer. Hopefully they can work on this as most people return to a restaurant not just for the service, but consistent food quality is expected."
Dined on 6/15/2013
2012
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"Food was delicious and presented beautifully. Service was great but may come across a bit pretentious. Loved the candied bacon with the panna cotta dessert. Not a suitable place for dining with kids. Would recommend reservations."
Dined on 6/14/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining
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"Vellum matches some of the best restaurants in major cities. The staff is solicitous, make the diner feel welcomed, and demonstrate their interest in you enjoying your visit. The food is consistently of extremely high quality. The roast half chicken was a revelation--best chicken I've had anywhere. However, this is a place for foodies: the chef told us the chicken is brined for 18 hours, then deboned, rolled up, and cooked at low temperature, and finally pan-seared to crisp the skin. It is simply marvelous, but it doesn't taste like ordinary chicken and the plating is elegant, so don't expect a half chicken with two sides like you might get in other restaurants in town. It was their first time in Restaurant Week, which they managed well ."
Dined on 6/13/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, notable wine list, hot spot, special occasion
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"Sometimes reviewing a restaurant during restaurant week is hard: they are more busy, have different menu items, etc. but it is also kind of a great time to review them too. Vellum was just ok. It was my first time there. The dining space is fantastic with a modern, clean and minimalistic decor; which I loved. There is a lot of space around the bar which was nice. The wine and beer list was great. The food was just ok. They were really trying to bring the dishes together but a lot of them fell short because of lack of seasoning. The desserts were very good I must say, but it took 40 mins for us to get them! Overall I would go back to try their regular menu just to see if it is better or I would go and have a drink at the bar for sure."
Dined on 6/12/2013
2013
Special Features: vibrant bar scene
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"The service was incredibly slow (it took us two and a half hours total to get our full meal during restaurant week) and the foods as only mediocre. It's also a loud space so it was hard to hear people at our own table!"
Dined on 6/12/2013
2012
Special Features: good for groups, special occasion
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"We love to eat and take immense delight in a good restaurant experience. Vellum exceeded our expectations in all categories. We decided to try Vellum for the first time during AA Restaurant Week, taking some of the potential sting (cost-wise) out of the experience if it happened to disappoint. It was very, very busy and timing showed a bit of the strain of the crowds and the newness of the establishment. This did not distract, however, from the excellent. attentive service (to a person) and the great food. The menu choices were all interesting, the wine pairings a great add to the experience and all of the extra bites, tastes and sips that were offered to our table made the entire evening a delight. We will definitely return. Thank you"
Dined on 6/11/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, romantic, notable wine list, hot spot, special occasion
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"We visited during Restaurant Week, so I'm very mindful of that in reviewing, especially since I suspect it's Vellum's first RW. It did take us almost 3 hours to have the 3 course (with little bonuses - an amuse bouche and Zingerman's bread) meal, but the food was all delicious. It was worth the wait. I look forward to going back when they are back to their regular schedule."
Dined on 6/11/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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"We were here on a Tuesday night for restaurant week. It was half empty. The raviolo appetizer came out lukewarm. It was poorly seasoned and undersalted. There were these hunks of mushrooms that made it difficult to eat. The main meal was a burger, which was fine. The egg yolk on top was kind of sticky and unappealing. The fries were too thick, but at least hot. We were hungry, because we had to wait 40 min between the first and second courses. Dessert was yummy: caramel and chocolate."
Dined on 6/11/2013
2007
Special Features: good for groups
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"... to be had in Ann Arbor, I dare say this place would be granted at least one. Excellent flavour, presentation, execution, and timing of the meal. Brilliant, in fact."
Dined on 6/10/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list
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"While not all of the dishes we sampled surpassed expectations, it is great to see a restaurant move onto Main Street that has more adventurous fare. If you want a change from your regular pallet, give this a try. Their wine menu is solid, and their beer selection is very well chosen, featuring a lot of great and hard-to-find stand-out brews. Their cocktails are just as adventurous as their menu, if not more so, and introduce ingredients that are hard to come by, even in a cocktail-friendly town like Ann Arbor. The space is tight on the main floor, but the servers are attentive and the owner is kind and accomodating. The Amuse-bouche are a nice touch, especially when their experimental status sometimes leaves diners puzzled/delighted."
Dined on 6/10/2013
2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, notable wine list, hot spot, special occasion
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"Vellum offers a dining experience that reminds me of the pleasures of similar restaurants in Washington DC....concentrated, exquisite flavors, beautiful presentations and great attention to the diner's experience. The food is very creative without being strange. It's hard to choose favorites but the chocolate and caramel dessert is nirvana. Apparently, there were some early mixed reviews but my recent experiences, and those of friends, have been uniformly outstanding. Recent standouts - roasted beet appetizer and raviolo appetizers, amazing pea- fava bean-mint-ramp soup, walleye...I could go on..."
Dined on 6/09/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot, special occasion
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"My fiance and I went to Vellum for a special date night. We decided to split the seven course tasting for $60. I also opted for the wine pairing for $40. Every dish and wine pairing was delicious. Splitting the seven courses was the right way to go. We both were full at the end. Our server was attentive and a good sport as we tried to guess the flavors in each dish. The meal took more than two hours, and we really appreciated the pace and the opportunity to relax and share great conversation. The night reminded us of our visit to The French Laundry, which is the highest compliment I can pay."
Dined on 6/08/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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"Wow! Best restaurant in Ann Arbor, along with Cafe Zola. Great atmosphere, service, and exceptional food. Our table ordered five entrees and we loved all of them. The cocktails were also excellent, the tables favorite being The Bartender's Blessing. Go there tonight!"
Dined on 5/31/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, hot spot, special occasion
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"Ann Arbor area finally has a true foodie destination restaurant worth eating at for both special occasions and frequent dinners. Both the menu and wine list are created by talented and experienced chefs and an exceptional sommelier. The service is impeccable and we anticipate Vellum to become the leading restaurant in this area for many years to come."
Dined on 5/19/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Vellum opened after the New Year's holiday and I wanted to wait to avoid the crowds--big mistake. Vellum is a gem. Very comfortable ambiance and not too loud (upstairs available for more intimate privacy). The service was impeccable from wine list recommendations to descriptions of food and always keeping water and wine bottles filled. Food was delightful! Very flavorful with unique presentations, proportions ideal and deserts did not disappoint. Chef Peter made a point of visiting the table to check on meal satisfaction and is a genuine good guy with a passion to please his customers. I would rate among the top experiences in the Ann Arbor restaurant scene which we frequent very, very often. One drawback-pricey, but solid wine list."
Dined on 5/19/2013
Special Features: good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Went there for dinner with another couple before an event. Prices are high for what you get. The menu is kind of strange. Good beer and wine selection, would go there for drinks but not food again. For the price it's not worth the portion."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: notable wine list
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"I like the look and feel of this restaurant, very NY chic. Seems like there should've been more people there to add to the ambiance, but the restaurant is newer and still up and coming. Food is very good with portions on the small side. I had vegetable salad, scallop pasta and side of cornbread. Salad had a beautiful presentation and good flavor. All pastas are homemade and although a bit small was still filling. Side of cornbread was good but I would probably try the fries next time. I had the golden beet mixed drink which lacked flavor but was strong on the alcohol side. Large wine list. Waitstaff is friendly and very educated on the menu, make you feel comfortable and welcome in what could be an intimidating upscale restaurant."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
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"Outstanding service, best in town. Food is bland, small portions and expensive. They will get it right with time. Their other restaurant, Mediterrano, has some of the best food and pricing in Ann Arbor."
Dined on 5/15/2013
Special Features: notable wine list
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"We couldn't get mamosas because they're liqour license didn't start until noon. Then the pork belly served with the poached egg was cold. They comped it, but it was pretty gross. The prices are also a bit high for what you get."
Dined on 5/12/2013
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"Our experience at this new restaurant was great except for one thing. We were going to a concert so made reservations for an early time. When we arrived there was perhaps one table with patrons. Told them we had reservations and then when we were sitted they put us behind a partition where we could not see anything in the restaurant and where I felt we had been placed so that no one could see that we were there. Perhaps am being overly sensitive, but felt that the staff didn't want to destroy their hip look by having older patrons. Because of this, not sure that I would recommend going to my friends even though the staff was very nice and the food flavors were outstanding."
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"We just had our daughter's graduation dinner at Vellum. It was perfect. Dinner was delicious and creative. We were treated to a champagne toast, unexpectedly, and given excellent service. Would delighted to return for another visit."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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"Friendly greeting upon arrival and no wait with our reservation! The wine list is outstanding, several choices. The decor is simple and yet beautiful. Wait staff on the move at all times. Creative plates, great presentation by the chef."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2010
Special Features: late-night find, notable wine list
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"Staff very solicitous however, however, food is long on pretense but consistently short on flavor. Menu descriptions don't describe what arrives to the table ."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2004
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"We had the 5-course tasting menu, which was absolutely superb! The flavors were things we had never really experiences in a restaurant before, and it was a unique and delicious experience. Only a couple things slightly detracted from the experience overall. One was the initial experience in ordering - it felt like we were waiting a while before even getting menus and water on the table. Though I appreciate not being rushed, we wanted to at least have the opportunity to look at the menu (especially since it was almost 9 PM). Also, we sat upstairs, which was a bit sparse compared to the downstairs seating area (which was much warmer)."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"Our second time at Vellum. The food is OUTSTANDING. We celebrated our engagement. The chef made us a wonderful chocolate dessert. Best chocolate dessert ever! Everything was just perfect. We will be back."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2006
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"The staff made it a special night for my husband's birthday. Thank you. Food was interesting and memorable. Unique. Wine list pricey, but the prefix/wine combo was a good value."
Dined on 04/10/2013
2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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"My first time dining at Vellum. Previously I had gone their for drinks and was extremely impressed by their clear liquor selection. This time I went for dinner. Try the Fisherman's Stew and the Half Chicken. I usually think it is boring to order chicken at a foodie restaurant but this was out of this world. Really. Also their earl gray foam/ice cream dessert dish was very unique! Highly recommended.
Service was a bit spotty though. Our waiter was trying very hard but forgot to bring us a couple of requested items (eg, ground pepper - not on the table) and the time it took to get our food to the table was a bit long (there was confusion with what dishes were going to what table).
Overall, though, solid experience and would return!"
Dined on 04/13/2013
2007
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion, hot spot
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"We had the tasting menu with wine pairings and it was excellent. We had a chance to try various dishes and wines, which is a great way to be exposed to the wonderful cuisine of Chef Peter. Highly reccommended for a unique and glamorous dining experience. Great for foodies and awesome atmosphere and service."
Dined on 04/06/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"Foods you would not normally find in the midwest. The dining experience more like New York than Ann Arbor. Presentations were outstanding. The wait staff and all the service staff were very attentive and helpful without being overbearing. Of particular note is the effort they put forth in providing vegetarian meals. For example the risotto they will prepare with a vegetable broth if asked and they will also bring a menu strictly for vegetarian options."
Dined on 03/23/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, hot spot
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"I ordered a gin and tonic .....they have none of the usual gins and "make their own tonic" so I took our servers advice and ended up sending back the drink which came out looking like orange ade and tasted more like citrus vinegar.. the bone marrow appetizer looked like some sort if vanilla mousse and had no taste of bone marrow . Ordered the walleye and it tasted fishy and weird....my friend's lamb had not been trimmed of gristle and fat. Our free desert compensation was beautiful but had no taste. Everything looked gorgeous but now that they've got that down, they need to work on flavors that work. For now, it's too expensive for what it is."
Dined on 03/22/2013
2009
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"This new restaraunt is unique in the way they prepare many of their dishes! Most of the food is from Michigan which is a definite bonus!! Taste and presentation were superb, and the service was impeccable! Their brussle sprouts were flashed fried in walnut oil, such a wonderful flavor!! I will be recommending Vellum to all of my friends!!"
Dined on 03/15/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, special occasion
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"We ordered the seven-course tasting menu; aside from the rib of beef, many of the dishes were woefully underseasoned, particularly the walleye, and returned to the kitchen unfinished. And while our server tried to be pleasant, he remained awkward throughout. As a result, we have no intention of returning."
Dined on 03/07/2013
2012
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"Very creative tasting menu, paired with unusual wines. Ann Arbor needs a place like this. A few kinks in the service, but this should be worked out over time."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2001
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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"The whole experience was fantastic. The tasting menu was well thought out and gave us a great sense of the chef's skills. Every thing was well seasoned and excellently presented. The wine flights selected to accompany the tsting menu were well above the usual run of those things that often accompany these menus. The staff could not have been more pleasant and accommodating. They obviously knew and understood all of the dishes on the menu. It was also heartening to be able to see into the kitchen and to see the chef not only working in the kitchen but also seeing him keep track of how the house was working. We will return often."
Dined on 03/08/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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"the new upscale foodie locale. They are trying very hard to please, serving very interesting items in a serious way. I hope they succeed in maintaining their high standards. We will return soon. (I had some difficulty reading the wine menu but found a very nice aglianico quickly and was very satisfied with that.)"
Dined on 03/05/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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"I always enjoy dinners at Vellum. It's the one restaurant in Ann Arbor that's up to the standards of elite foodie restaurants in California, at a fraction of the price. I enjoy the hip scene along the familiarity of being greeted by name. I'm not sure everyone realizes the effort Vellum is making to produce the perfect cup of coffee; it's Vienna quality. And the madeleines and tea is a Proustian dream! I could eat it every night for dessert."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2011
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic
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"Really bad food, poor quality ingredients, tough meat, dry fish, and terrible ideas like eggplant with chocolate frosting as a side dish. The upstairs part of the restuarant is also ugly, with dingy brownish carpet that I think is left over from the bar that was here before. OK service, OK wine list, but really overall terrible"
Dined on 02/22/2013
2007
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"Our first experience at Vellum was great. We took the tasting menu and it was wonderful - great flavors and presentation, with much attention to detail. We were surprised at the reasonable price and we hope that they can sustain this level of quality. Very attentive service. This is the only FIRST rate restaurant in Ann Arbor, may be in Michigan since the closing of Tapawingo. We are already planning our next visit!"
Dined on 02/20/2013
2008
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion
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"Although I have only lived in Ann Arbor for two years, I have been coming here for 35 years. I have eaten at really fine restaurants all over the world. This is a special restaurant. The service is professional, attentive, but not intrusive. Our waiter was very knowledgable about each menu item, and extremely helpful. The young chef is a charming young man, who has been trained at some of the finest restaurants in the major food capitols of the world. He has created a very interesting menu that calls for the highest skill and timing. From my perspective the true all star of this soon to be dining mecca is the wine list. It is spectacular with some of the finest wines from around the world. It is well balanced and it's fairly priced"
Dined on 01/26/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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